News

Funding Sought To Extend Winter Pack Scheme

Monday February 13 2012

FUNDING is being sought to extend a scheme that saw winter survival kits handed out to vulnerable people in Barnsley after 2,000 were given out in one day.

The scheme - part of a campaign run by NHS Barnsley -saw over 30 volunteers, including Mencap service users, Helping The Homeless, and Barnsley College volunteers, compile the packs which had items like a blanket, hat, gloves, hot water bottle, shoe grips for walking on snow, packet soup, and a room thermometer inside.

The packs were approved following a successful bid by Barnsley Council and other organisations for £150,000 of Government funding to pilot a project to help vulnerable people stay warm and well this winter.

Stephen Turnbull, assistant director of public health for Barnsley said: "While we recognise that this is only a small project, we are confident that the pilot will prove successful and help those most in need. If the packs prove popular we will look to roll the project out more widely next year, if funding allows."

The packs were all distributed last week and, after appearing on a TV news channel, NHS Barnsley were flooded with calls from people asking for them.